Today’s challenge is to describe how to make one of my self-watering containers, from a four pound plastic coffee container, in French. Our coffee mess at work saves them in a huge pile, until they are eventually tossed into the recycle bin. As you may have seen from my other photos, I have around 20 of these containers. I use them to start seeds, transfer plantings, and grow certain herbs that need to be contained (like mint).

Some plants are very water-intensive. They must be watered frequently. So how do you keep the plants very moist without overwatering?Fortunately, there is a simple trick to make an automatic plant waterer.

Cut the outside circle from the top of the container.Trace the circumference of the cup onto the lid.Cut out the circle, a little smaller than the circle that you traced.

It’s time to secure the cup to the lidCut three slits for the stay-ties.Notice the stay-ties . The opening is under the lid. When the stay-tie is cinched, it will provide support to the lid.Cut an “x” on the lid for a straw.Cut a corner from the straw.Push the straw through the hole.Cut a hole in the container less than two inches from the bottom. Do not cut out the plastic. Leave one side of the cut and push the plastic into the container. This plastic will support the lid.Place the lid into the container.Fill with potting soil mix. Compact the soil into the cup.Fill the container with water using the straw and a small funnel.Save the lid’s circle. It can be used to hold down plastic coverings.